Scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are developing an edible food packaging which will preserve food more efficiently and more sustainably than plastic film and could cut both food and plastic waste in the future.

This milk-based packaging film is made of a milk protein called casein. Currently, it does not have much taste, but various flavours could be added to it, as well as vitamins, probiotics, and other nutrients, according to the scientists.

The researchers say that this film looks very similar to the plastic wrapping, but it is up to 500 times better at protecting food from oxygen. It is also biodegradable and sustainable.

Peggy Tomasula, a research leader, said: “The protein-based films are powerful oxygen blockers that help prevent food spoilage. When used in packaging, they could prevent food waste during distribution along the food chain.”